Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Some of you who visit my blog vs. a feed, may have seen this triangular fun pop up in my flickr photo set in the left column earlier this year. Inspired by all of the Mason-DixonLog Cabin squares I saw last spring, I decided to try my hand at developing a log cabin triangle. I finished the larger triangle/shawl in early summer o6, just in time not get to use it very much. With the colder weather of late January and early February, it has gotten lots of use by family and friends alike. For whatever reason, I've had pattern publishing anxiety - one of the things I hope to get past this year - and didn't have the confidence to publish it until now. If you choose to knit one (or several) triangles, please let me know of any edits that you might suggest and I'll share them on my blog. Or better yet, join the Trinity Flickr Group and discuss the pattern and post pictures of your creations there.

So consider Trinity an early Valentine's Day present. I hope that you enjoy the pattern and I look forward to seeing triangular spawn on the internets.

Trinity - the log cabin triangle worn as a shawl

Trinity

Trinity is the close relative of the basic Log Cabin square. It is constructed of a base triangle and trapezoid shaped strips. Make multitudes of triangles and stitch together in ways only limited by your imagination. A giant single triangle is suitable for a small throw, shoulder wrap or baby blanket. Felt smaller ones and make potholders. Get wild and knit several smaller triangles - and perhaps (((gasp))) even log cabin squares - together. Geometry and knitting are a match made in heaven!

Materials: * Odd balls of yarn (for the sample, I used worsted weight natural fiber yarns)* Appropriate size needles depending on what is recommended for the weight of the yarn(s) you plan to use (for both of the samples, I used Size US 10.5 Denise Needles)* Tapestry needle* Tape measure* Crochet hook (optional)

Gauge: will vary based on yarn and needles used

Notes:

* When using acrylic and fiber blend yarns, keep in mind that they will block differently than natural fibers. It is also worth noting that some natural fibers block differently than others. Be sure to test fibers to see if they bleed especially if you plan to use many different colors in one project.

* You can use any weight of yarn for the body of the throw. However, I recommend using a sturdy yarn for the base triangle.

* Using needles a size or two larger than the recommended needle for the weight of the yarn, will give your project a slightly airy look. If you choose to mix weights of yarn, experiment with doubling the yarn and/or knitting fewer or more rows to achieve the desired width in strip for each section.

* You can preserve your sanity by weaving the loose ends of the yarn in on each row as you’re knitting vs. weaving in five thousand ends when you’re finished.

* You can leave the sts “live” after finishing each row (in lieu of binding off) by using a circular needle the circumference of the triangle or by slipping the live sts onto a piece of yarn. I used my Denise needles and changed the cords as the circumference expanded. If you plan to make a giant triangle, it would be worth it to invest in a 60” cord (for the Denises or 60” circular needle). However, binding off does tend to provide some structure for each side of the triangle, especially if you are using lighter weight yarns. If possible swatch using each technique before you invest too much time in a larger project.

(follow directions below for both sizes of base triangles. The directions for the larger triangle are in parentheses.)

Side One of Triangle

Row 1 – (With new yarn) At base of triangle, pick up 13 (17) sts.Row 2 – Kf&b 1st st, k to last st, kf&bRow 3 – KRepeat rows 2 and 3, inc. 1st and last stitch on every other row until strip is desired width. (For the sample, there were 3 garter st ridges after binding off.) Bind off. If you choose to keep the sts live, make sure that working needle is on the left side of your knitting. You will be rotating the triangle to the left to pick up sts on the 2nd side of the triangle.

Side Two of Triangle

Row 1 - (with new yarn) Begin picking up sts for side two beginning with sides of the strip you just knit. Pick up sts between the garter sts ridges totaling the same as what you picked up on side one (the base of the triangle).Row 2 – Kf&b 1st st, k to last st, kf&bRow 3 – KRepeat rows 2 and 3, inc. 1st and last stitch on every other row until strip is desired width. Bind off. If you choose to keep the sts live, make sure that working needle is on the left side of your knitting. You will be rotating the triangle to the left to pick up sts on the 3rd side of the triangle.

Side Three of Triangle

Row 1 – (with new yarn) Begin picking up sts for side three beginning with sides of the second strip you just knit, the third side of the triangle, and the sides of the first strip you knit. This side will be slightly longer than the other two sides.Row 2 – Kf&b 1st st, k to last st, kf&bRow 3 – K

Repeat rows 2 and 3, inc. 1st and last stitch on every other row until strip is desired width.. Bind off. If you choose to keep the sts live, make sure that working needle is on the left side of your knitting. You will be rotating the triangle to the left to pick up sts on the 1st side of the triangle.

Continue with directions for side three of triangle for all sides until triangle is the desired size (if you are using circulars, you will be picking up the sts from the sides of the strips on either side and will be knitting the sts from the needle on the sts in the center). Use a crochet hook, three needle bind off or tapestry needle to connect/sew the triangles together.

If knitting one large triangle, use a decorative yarn and crochet or knit a chain of stitches around the entire project to finish the edges. Experiment with a picot trim, tassels or other decorative edging for even more fun. Enjoy!

All contents are copyright Tanya Brooks 2007. This pattern is for personal use only and may not be used commercially, distributed or copied whole or in part without express written permission from Tanya Brooks.

Wow -- how cool! I'm wracking my brain to come up with the perfect yarn(s) to try this out on. Wonder how it would look in a self-striper like Kureyon . . . Thanks for the in-depth directions on such an interesting twist on the Log Cabin! -- Linda @ Yarnzilla

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